Can You Root a Geranium From a Cutting in Water?

Geraniums add color to any garden bed or patio. Even the gardener without a green thumb can usually manage to cultivate a healthy show of geraniums. Geraniums are easily propagated from cuttings which can be rooted in soil or water.

Hardiness

• The hardiest type of geranium, and the one seen most often, is the zonal geranium. They’re the ones with the distinctive circle or horseshoe shape on the leaves. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture says, "The old practice of knocking soil from the roots and hanging the plants under the house for the winter is an acknowledgment of the geranium’s ability to survive periods of drought and neglect."

Climbers

• Ivy geraniums have shinier leaves and put out shoots that will climb or drape.

Fancy

• Fancy flowering varieties such as the Martha Washington are more particular about temperature. Cuttings do best when taken in the late fall or winter.

Cuttings

• All three types of geraniums are easily propagated by cuttings. Cut 3- to 4-inch long stems from the top of the plant. Place the geranium cutting in a glass, jar or vase and fill with water. Keep the cuttings in indirect sunlight. A south- or west-facing window works best.

Transplant

• When you start the geraniums in water, you will see the roots growing out from the sides of the stem in the first three or four weeks. After that, for best results, transplant the cuttings to an indoor pot filled with potting soil.